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17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mortimer's a great researcher, October 17, 2009
This is without doubt, a paean to someone Mortimer regards as a national and personal hero. I have read his book on Henry IV and own the earlier book on Roger Mortimer. I am impressed with his ability to both research and dissect complex political, military and economic documents that trace who did what, where, when and to or with whom without losing the reader in the complexity. As a student of this period, I'm familiar with a great deal of the subject matter, but I confess to being enlightened on more than a few matters. I'm a bit concerned however about his assertion that Edward II, this Edward's father did NOT die as traditionally thought, murdered, but rather later as a private gentleman living in Europe. He makes a convincing case, but I am planning to research other historians' opinions on the validity of his claim. In any event, there is much to recommend in this and other works by this author.
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great book on an amazing king, October 23, 2008
The Perfect King is truly remarkable. It is a book of facts, yet Ian Mortimer made it seem like a legend, even though it was non-fiction. A warrior Edward certanly was. He brought the use of the gun and longbow together against the Scots and the French. This, along with his stunning and aggressive courage was a truly invincibale tactic.
But Edward wasn't just a warrior. He was a lawmaker, who was called "The Second English Justinian" putting him on the same level as Edward I. Edward was also the greatest English patron of the arts of the late Middle Ages, collecting italian paintings, making alabaster tombs, and, above all, creating this majestic castles and churchs. When it comes to this book, I believe what Ian said was right: that had Edward died in 1363 he would be know today as "Edward the Great."
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12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful, July 20, 2007
This review is from: The Perfect King: The Life of Edward III, Father of the English Nation (Hardcover)
Ian Mortimer is a meticulous historian with the ability to seamlessly blend momentous historical sweep with touching personal account. Edward the III is portrayed with all his strengths and weaknesses, ultimately emerging as a sympathetic character. Mortimer himself creates a new history of the period that goes beyond Froissart, Le Bel and other traditional medieval historians to find a history that is not jaded by period bias. He delves into primary sources resulting in a convincing and thrilling tale.
It is rare for history to come alive as it does in this book. Battles are fought by flesh, blood, and spirit, and kings and queens agonize over their decisions, delight in their children, and experience the drama of the human condition which we all share. A marvelous book that will instill a love of this fascinating and pivotal time in English history.
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